DID YOU READ

No other cultural production is as earnest as the ones that revisit World War II. Whether it’s fiction like “Saving Private Ryan” or documentaries like the classic “The World at War,” most works that look back at Allies vs. Axis approaches the war with hushed tones of reverence and appreciation. Games haven’t been any different, with the previous iteration of EA’s “Medal of Honor” franchise (created with help from Steven Spielberg) and early “Call of Duty” games as best examples.

But, a new UbiSoft title that debuted at E3 2011 flies in the face of all that rectitude. Developed by Gearbox Software, “Brothers in Arms: Furious 4” gives gamers a quartet of soldiers fighting Nazis in a pulpy, purple shooter that goes way over the top. Just by the official description alone, you already know that Furious 4 will be lass than faithful to the history books:

The story follows four fierce and fearless warriors tracking the Führer himself. As one of the Furious 4, players will use special weaponry and unexpected combat abilities to fight the greatest threat the world has ever faced: an experimental Nazi army conceived in secret by the Third Reich.”

That experimental army means that you’ll be fighting Nazis with jetpacks. Which involved wielding chainsaws. In an amusement park. During Oktoberfest. And, there’s a Nazi on the crapper about to meet his end. Yeah. The developer-led demo I watched showed how the co-op would play out in “Furious 4” as the player-controlled character and three AI buddies brawled through a level and into a boss fight. A giant German menaced the squad, with one team member drawing his attention. The dev playing then blasted the boss character to turn him around and draw his attention, followed by another character throwing out a bear trap. When he gets shot at from behind again, the boss character bulls into a bear trap which immobilizes him and sets him up to be shot at aplenty.

So, yes: “Furious 4” isn’t going to be a solemn WWII FPS. It remains to be seen as to whether the grindhouse approach will pay dividends in “Furious 4” as it did for Quentin Tarantino with “Inglorious Basterds.” If Gearbox gets the balance of gritty and guffaw just right, it might carve out a niche for itself in a crowded shooter market.

The Best Of The Last

The end is near. In mere days Portlandia wraps up its final season, and oh what a season it’s been. Lucky for you, you can watch the entire season right now right here and on the IFC app, including this free episode courtesy of Subaru.

But now, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the new classics Fred and Carrie have so thoughtfully bestowed upon us. (We’ll be looking back through tear-blurred eyes, but you do you.)

Couples Dinner

It’s not that being single sucks, it’s that you suck if you’re single.

Cancel it!

A sketch for anyone who has cancelled more appointments than they’ve kept. Which is everyone.

Forgotten America

This one’s a “Serial” killer…everything both right and wrong about true crime podcasts.

Wedding Planners

The only bad wedding is a boring wedding.

Disaster Hut

It’s only the end of the world if your doomsday kit doesn’t include rosé.

Your Portlandia Personality Test

Carrie and Fred understand that although we have so much in common, we’re each so beautifully unique and different. To help us navigate those differences, Portlandia has found an easy and honest way to embrace our special selves in the form of a progressive new traffic system: a specific lane for every kind of driver. It’s all in honor of the show’s 8th and final season, and it’s all presented by Subaru.

Ready to find out who you really are? Match your personality to a lane and hop on the expressway to self-understanding.

Lane 10: Trucks Piled With Junk

Your junk is falling out of your trunk. Shake a tail light, people — this lane is for you.

Lane 33: Twins

You’re like a Gemini, but waaaay more pedestrian. Maybe you and a friend just wear the same outfits a lot. Who cares, it’s just twinning enough to make you feel special.

Lane 27: Broken Windows

Bad luck follows you around and everyone knows it. Your proverbial seat is always damp from proverbial rain. Is this the universe telling you to swallow your pride? Yes.

Lane 69: Filthy Cars

You’re all about convenience. Getting your car washed while you drive is a no-brainer.

Lane 43: Newly Divorced Singles

It’s been a while since you’ve driven alone, and you don’t know the rules of the road anymore. What’s too fast? What’s too slow? Are you sending the right signals? Don’t worry, the breakdown lane is nearby if you need it.

Still can’t find a lane to match your personality? Check out all the videos here. And see the final season of Portlandia this spring on IFC.

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the final countdown to Christmas and thanks to IFC’s movie marathon all Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can revel in classic ’80s films AND find inspiration for your last-minute gifts. Here are our recommendations, if you need a head start:

Musical Instrument

Great analog entertainment substitute when you refuse to give your kid the Nintendo Switch they’ve been drooling over.

Breakfast In Bed

Any significant other or child would appreciate these Uncle Buck-approved flapjacks. Just make sure you’re not stuck on clean up duty.

Cocktail Supplies

You’ll need them to get through the holidays.

Dance Lessons

So you can learn to shake-shake-shake (unless you know ghosts willing to lend a hand).

Comfy Clothes

With all the holiday meals, there may be some…embigenning.

Get even more great inspiration all Christmas Eve and Day on IFC, and remember…